Chapter 021. Keren, the land of Summer

A fairly sized town with surprisingly pretty buildings and lively streets greeted everyone once they pulled over in front of an overnight inn. The surrounding trees were blooming in various shades of red and browns. However, the most striking characteristic of this town is the warmer climate.

It was now autumn.

The others weren’t too drawn by the sceneries since they had passed through this area countless times while traveling to and from the summer capital. As for Ayla, it was the first time to see a place could be so vibrant instead of dead trees and dry air.

Caelum breathe in the lingering smell of pumpkin spice around the space. “Ah. I forgot how nostalgic autumn is. The cold had numbed my soul for so long.” He cried, taking off the thick gloves around his hands.

“Are we staying for the night here?” Ayla asked also taking off her cold outerwear. It was drastically warmer here compared to the cold border. Ayla had forgotten the feeling of cool air hitting her skin without the fear of frostbite.

“Yes. This place is also closely affiliated with Winter moon so we can relax here. Also, Ayla, you’ll have to get used to a warmer climate now or you might feel uncomfortable with the heat once we get there.” Caelum explained.

Ayla nodded her head obediently. “Got it.” The only thing she’s worried is the crazy humid anyway. Good thing she stocked up with good hair products.

“Hello welcome to Glory’s. How many rooms do you need?” The receptionist greeted them cordially.

“Hi. We’ll take four rooms, overnight stay. Just take the money from this card.” Caelum waved a shiny black card then placed it on the front desk.

The receptionist let out a small gasp upon seeing the black card especially at the insignia printed in the middle. “Certainly. We’ll upgrade you to suites room. Will that be alright, esteemed guests?”

Caelum looked very satisfied at the generous treatment. “Yes. This inn knows how to treat their guest well.”

The receptionist smiled even wider at the flattery. “We simply want the best for our guests’ stay. Then, please leave the keys at the rooms once you check out. If you have any concerns please don’t hesitate to ring up our service phone from your rooms. Do you have any more questions?”

“Ah. Meals are free right?” Caelum asked, taking the black card from the receptionist after ringing everything up.

“Yes. We have a restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet. Breakfast starts at 7-9 AM, lunch at 12 noon until 3 and Dinner at 5 to 8 PM.”

“Okay, I think that’s all we need.” Others also have no opinion about accommodations.

“Great! Then, here’s your keys. May you have great time in our inn, our esteemed guests.“

“God damn, I didn’t know you’re influence could reach this far, Caelum.” Ayla snorted after they walked out of the lobby

“Of course. They’ll treat us very well. Sir Caelum has a black card.”

“What’s with that anyway?” Ayla turned to Miroh in confusion. This sheltered child was definitely oblivious to a lot of things.

“Black cards are very powerful! In fact, only few people have it aside from the King. But I didn’t expect Sir Caelum to have it as well. As expected, not only are you strong but also crazy rich!”

“Are you crazy? Why would I pay a ridiculous amount just for a room?” Caelum snorted, then take the card out again to show them the initials below the card. “This isn’t mine. It’s Keid’s.”

“Keid/Chief?” Ayla and Miroh said in unison.

“Yeah. He gave it to me to pay for our travel and border expenses. He said, and I quote, ‘don’t hold back’.”

“Chief…so cool.” Miroh murmured emotionally, jutting his two thumbs up.

“He didn’t have to give away his black card though? He could’ve just gave us pocket money.” Ayla remarked.

Caelum hummed. “Well…it’s Keid.” Caelum’s eyes wander away with an amused grin.

Miroh and Hamal made a noise of realization after realizing what he meant.

“Why are you all looking at me?” Ayla raised her eyebrow unhappily.

‘This…is the real big shot…’

That was everybody’s thought as they gazed at Ayla in envy. What a crazy backer…

Caelum cleared his throat and smoothly changed the topic. “In any case, you still have time to take a look around the place. Take the card to buy things. Remember that kids should stick together. Hamal watch over the kids not to cause any trouble.” Caelum grinned smugly after he rubbed Ayla and Miroh’s head roughly at the part where he mentioned kids.

Hamal, who was acting like an solemn boulder since they arrived, nodded his head gruffly.

“What about you?” Ayla face didn’t looked amused as she clicked her tongue and began patting her hair down loosely.

“I have a terrible jet lag. I need to drink.” That was what he said as he waved his hand back at them, going in a different direction.

“Ah. I’m really craving for rice wine.” They heard Caelum utter emotionally one last time.

Miroh and Ayla looked at each other in confusion.

‘What the heck are they gonna do?’

…

“Their tart is good.” Miroh muttered quietly, taking another fork of the pastry.

“Pumpkin spice is actually good. Is it possible to get something like this in Keren?” Ayla’s tone had a hint of longing as she marvel on her latte as if discovering an archeological find.

They definitely look like tourist with the way they were acting. Even Hamal, who overwhelms the delicate aesthetics of the cafe, was happily eating trifle with a dainty spoon.

After a long discussion, they ended up just wasting time at a cafe in front of the inn. Hamal suggested they sit at the patio outside the store to enjoy the falling leaves like some aristocrats who have nothing better to do.

“Excuse me, are you guys perhaps from the border?” A female worker asked softly, hugging a tray over her chest with a shy disposition.

“We are. Was it very obvious?” Miroh laughed awkwardly.

The girl’s reaction was pretty understandable. It was rare for people from the border to go travel within the barriers. In the first place, it was the ideal place to stay away from the kingdom’s influence.

The worker’s eyes widen in panic. Shaking her head wildly. “No, no, I’m terribly sorry. I didn’t mean anything bad. I actually saw you guys arrived earlier, you guys were wearing thick clothes like the people from the border. So I just assume…”

“Well, it was definitely quite uncomfortable while traveling.” Ayla thought out loud with a small smile. The poor girl looked like she’ll burst out crying any second if they don’t dispel the misunderstanding right now.

The girl momentarily blanked out upon seeing the small smile. It’s her first time seeing someone with these kind of exquisite features. There was that kind of lazy charm in Ayla’s eyes as it slightly curved to form an eye smile that makes anyone curious to know what amused them.

“That’s right. We have to wear the clothes in a tight place or else we’ll freeze to death. Thank goodness, we’re now in Autumn.” Miroh exclaimed.

The worker visibly relaxed at the approachable group and can’t help but pursue her curiosity. “Is it really cold as they say?”

“Yes. Since we’re closer to Keziah, we’re affected by the cold climate all year round. But the temperature drops even lower around this time so it’s not advisable for tourist to visit the borders.” Ayla explained.

In the present, the kingdom is divided into four different season all year round. Keziah with the now frozen spring because of the breach, Jemima with Autumn and lastly, Keren with summer.

According to the legend, eternal cold plagues the land in the early days of the kingdom, which prevents new life from sprouting for survival. The humans, who were already at the brink of extinction because of the leviaths, descended into greater turmoil.

However, with the goddesses’ pity, it is said that they borrowed the ‘light’ from celestia for the mortals to keep them warm. As time passes, humans became more adept in using aurora and was able to turn the summer capital to what it is today. As the aurora, which produces the miraculous light, continues to create new life to the land of Keren, the surrounding barriers were affected, thus forming the four seasons all year round.

It was true that the cold was merciless to everything that is alive. But there are humans, who defied the odds and prosper in the harsh climate with their own reasons. Just one of them is to escape the supervision of the kingdom.

Ayla frowned after a single red leaf glided over at the top of her hand that was resting on the table. She was about to throw the leaf away when the girl exclaimed for her to stop.

“Why?” Ayla frowned, holding up the leaf by its tiny stem.

“Ah. We actually have a belief in this place that nature can tell your fortune. A red leaf is especially an auspicious sign! It is said that giving the red leaf to the person you want to spend your life with is equivalent to knotting the red string of fate.”

“Red string of fate?”

“Yes! If the other person accept the red leaf, it means you’re seeking the fates’ blessing to spend the lifetime together. It’s a very popular belief in this area!”

Ayla stared at the leaf wryly. “Is that so?” She didn’t know if she could put her trust to the fates again when it keeps taking every person in her life away.

However, Ayla’s expression made the girl misunderstand big time. She looked like somebody died in front of her as she hastily talked. “Don’t worry! Past heartaches will heal in time! You’re very handsome so you’ll meet someone in no time.”

‘???’

“Gigi, what are you doing bothering the customers again? There are tables to be cleaned.” A woman, who looked like the manager, peeked from inside to store, staring at the girl in exasperatedly.

“Right away, Ma’am! HUHU I’m very sorry. I’ll give you scones as an apology in a moment.” The girl bowed deeply before scurrying inside with a beet red face.

Miroh cleared his throat awkwardly, rubbing his hands together. It was quiet once again. “Did…that girl just assume Ayla’s a dude?”

“I think so.” Hamal nodded.

At this moment in history, Ayla received the greatest shock in her life.

“Motherfucker?”

…

“HAHAHA what the fuck?? They really thought Ayla’s a dude!?” Caelum’s obnoxious laughter bounced off inside the tiny carriage.

It was now the next day. Just another hundred kilometers until they arrived at the capital. Caelum in his drunken ass was overly hyper after hearing the origin of the scones they were eating right now.

“Go die.” Ayla grumbled, but took a bite of her second scone. At least the scone is delicious. She already forgive them for mistaking her gender even if they were unaware of what they did.

“Isn’t this good? Since we’re hiding Ayla’s identity.” Miroh surmised.

“Do you want me to call you pretty?” Ayla sneered, raising an eyebrow with obvious threat.

“Ahh…I’ll take that as a complim—No, I will be offended so I will shut up now.” Miroh quickly swallowed his words and backtracked upon making eye contact of Ayla’s stare.

Others might think the temperature took a nose dive to a negative numbers suddenly.

“Damn, I feel like Miroh really one of us now.” Caelum let out heartfelt sigh. “Who said he can’t adjust? Look at that quick wit.” He snorted.

“Well, you’re not exactly one of us right now. Who the fuck travels while drinking his ass off?”

“Fufu, thanks to you I am completely sober right now. HAHAHAH.” Caelum once again laughed. His laugh spilling out of the cheap soundproof of the carriage and into the wild. Poachers would think a wild crow suddenly appeared.

Ayla pursed her lips, annoyed. That grating laugh is really a death song to the ears.

“Wait.” Ayla sat up, holding up a hand to shut everyone up.

In the middle of dead silence aside from the sound of rolling wheels hitting the rough road, a dissonant noise becomes more clearer from beyond the tree line.

“Cicadas.” Caelum answered Ayla’s furrowed eyebrows.

“Didn’t you feel the temperature change?”

“Those are cicadas?” Ayla muttered, eyes wide in wonder. Just an insect she had read before actually creates this ugly noise in real life?

Caelum chuckled, pushing the curtain aside just in time for the tree lines to break and a stunning view of the capital, which sprawls far and wide under a blazing sun came to picture. Even from this altitude, the buildings felt towering and unreachable.

Ayla’s gaze unconsciously wander at a certain area where a white light seem to glow perpetually bright like a beacon, causing a tickling feeling in Ayla’s heart. It was the same feeling when she get close to the barrier.

Caelum’s gaze was undecipherable, taking in the view of the city that never changed from his memory. There was no indication of his thoughts.

“Looks like we’re in summer now.”